In Lower Paleozoic sediments of the South Alpine Carnic Alps (Carinthia, Austria) fragments of graptolites were used to trace the process of coalification and graphitization in a continuous anchizonal to epizonal metamorphic section. Beginning with the onset of meta-anthracitic coal ranks, the process of graphitization produces graptolites with the structure of ＇coke-like transitional matter＇. The path of coalification of graptolite fragments is explained by the model of a reflectance indicating surface (RIS). This path resembles the coalification of vitrinite. During the process of coalification the shape of the RIS shows a non-coaxial evolution, starting with a primary biaxia negative geometry. The oblate graptolite RIS shapes of the Carnic Alps are indicative of a metamorphic event with only minor tectonic influence.